From a small office in Liverpool to a nationally recognised consultancy — over 26 years shaped by integrity, evidence-based thinking, and lasting impact.
AMION was founded in April 2000 by two former KPMG consultants and friends — accountant Tim Johnson and economist Graham Russell. In the 26 years since, the firm has grown from a two-person practice in Silkhouse Court, Liverpool, into one of the UK's most respected economic development consultancies, with a team of over 20 professionals and a nationally and internationally recognised body of work.
Below are some of the milestones that have shaped who we are.
In April 2000, AMION Consulting is founded in a small Liverpool office by two former KPMG consultants: accountant Tim Johnson and economist Graham Russell. The timing places the firm at the heart of New Labour's urban renaissance agenda, with Regional Development Agencies newly established and devolution reshaping economic governance across the UK.
AMION is appointed to the prestigious English Partnerships Economic Panel in October 2000 — a relationship that continues to the present day through successor body Homes England. AMION remains the only firm to have served on the panel continuously since its inception.
AMION helps author the first edition of the Additionality Guide from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister — a groundbreaking publication that transforms how public sector agencies measure the real effect of government intervention. The guide becomes rapidly and widely adopted across the economic development sector.
AMION authors the 2nd edition of the Additionality Guide for DCLG. Its use extends beyond economic development into other government departments, and the guide is referenced in HM Treasury's Green Book — cementing AMION's position at the heart of UK public sector appraisal practice.
The 3rd revision of the Additionality Guide is published, now carrying international recognition. Regular enquiries arrive from bodies outside the UK — including the World Bank — establishing AMION's methodology as a global benchmark for economic development evaluation practice.
AMION is appointed to the DCLG London 2012 Olympics Regeneration Legacy Evaluation Framework — a high-profile commission that demonstrates the firm's capability in major programme evaluation at national scale and in the media spotlight.
AMION secures the commission to produce the landmark Economic Value of Sport report for Sport England — a major piece of national research that quantifies sport's contribution to the English economy and provides the evidence base for policy and investment decisions in the sector.
Chris Melia and Greg Hunt join AMION, founding a dedicated Visitor and Leisure team with a focus on recreational and cultural economics. The same year, AMION leads the 4th edition of the Additionality Guide — cementing its status as the definitive national reference on additionality methodology.
Simon Dancer joins AMION from Whitehall, bringing extensive Homes England experience and opening up significant business opportunities in London and the South East — further extending the firm's reach beyond its Liverpool and northern heartland.
The Government's High Streets Fund and Towns Fund create a wave of place-based investment across the country — and AMION becomes a key advisor to local authorities from one end of England to the other, building a rich portfolio of high streets and town centre economic cases and strategies.
Tom Millard joins AMION to establish and lead the new Transport Economics team — providing bespoke transport consultancy services and significantly diversifying the firm's technical capability at a moment when transport and place-based economic development are converging in national policy.
The Government's Levelling Up agenda generates a new wave of competitive place-based investment. AMION secures over £459 million for clients across the country through the Levelling Up Fund — a testament to the quality and persuasiveness of the firm's economic case-making.
AMION is commissioned to conduct an in-depth economic analysis of the Eurovision Song Contest hosted in Liverpool — on behalf of Ukraine. A landmark and high-profile international commission that demonstrates the breadth and adaptability of AMION's economic expertise beyond traditional public sector contexts.
Homes England publishes AMION's landmark research on the placemaking impacts of housing-led regeneration — a nationally significant study that feeds directly into the 2025 MHCLG Appraisal Guide and establishes a new evidence framework for one of the most significant policy questions in the built environment sector.
AMION is appointed as sole business advisor to the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation — one of the UK's most significant new development corporations. A recognition of the firm's quality, breadth and the trust that long-standing clients place in its advice.
AMION promotes Matt Budd and Jonathan Guest to Directors — strengthening leadership capacity across research & evaluation and policy, strategy & employment. A clear signal of intent as the firm looks ahead to its next chapter, building on 25 years of trusted expertise with a team ready to lead in a changing policy landscape.
I'm proud to reflect on AMION's journey — from a small office in Liverpool to a nationally recognised consultancy. Our growth has been shaped by a commitment to integrity, evidence-based thinking and delivering lasting impact: values that continue to guide everything we do.
Graham Russell
Chief Executive, AMION Consulting